Doctors’ work-family conflict may lead to burnout: study

Rochester, MN – Work-family conflict stemming from working long hours may contribute to burnout among doctors, concludes a new study from the Mayo Clinic.

In a survey of 7,288 doctors and some of their partners, doctors who worked long hours, were female, were younger or who worked at academic medical centers were more likely to report work-life conflict. Doctors who had difficulty balancing personal and professional duties were in turn more likely to report burnout symptoms, according to the study abstract.

Researchers recommended that health care employers offer family-friendly policies and child care centers, give physicians some control over their schedules, and reduce overtime.

The study was published in the September issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine.